Key components of design (color, layout, and type)

- The core elements that make up every designare layout, color, and typography.To be a good designer, you have to have a deepunderstanding of how each of these elementscontributes to the overall message.It's like cooking.You need to know your ingredients,and what they go well with before you cancombine them successfully.Layout is extremely important,because it's a structure for the skeleton of the piece,and therefore drives the overall design.Layouts can be peaceful and serene,dynamic and exciting, or even chaotic.

The right mood for the work just dependson the audience and the goal of the piece.Almost anything goes in the right context,with one exception, the design that feels dull or lifeless.This is all determined by your choicesof color, balance, scale, and density of type and image.These are the elements of design that whenused correctly will enable you to setthe right tone and create a strong composition.The role of type in design is so much morethan just communicating the meaning of the words.

Good typography is legible, it's beautiful,and it's treated to communicate the message of the design.It should be tailored to the intended audience,through the chosen typeface, and how it's set.For example, the goal of typographyon an income tax return form is legibility.There is no room for creative expression here.Conversely, the typeface on a posterfor an art exhibit can ignore the traditionalrules of layout, and in some cases,the type itself becomes the artwork.

Typography is a little complex,but the good news is that once you know the rules,you'll know when you can push the boundaries a bit,and you'll be able to set beautiful type like a pro.Color is a powerful element,and it plays an important role in every design,both visually and emotionally.Color can act as a navigational aid,telling an audience what the mostimportant elements are, or which itemsin a design are connected.Because of the cultural connotationsassociated with color, it also plays a huge rolein helping to communicate a message.

Think of these three elements, layout, type, and color,as your building blocks of design.With a solid understanding of how to harness their power,you'll be well on your way to creatingbeautiful designs that your viewers will connect with.

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11/16/2016

New to graphic design? You're in the right place. Discover the most crucial skills, tools, and techniques for graphic designers today, and which courses you need to kick-start your career. Learn about the importance of planning and sketching, and tap into your inner creativity with a couple of brainstorming techniques. Explore the building blocks of design—color, typography, and layout—and the main goals of projects like logos and other common design jobs, so you step off on the right foot. Then find out how to get started with essential design software, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and more. Finally, get tips on digital output options and how to navigate a print job successfully so you have a flawless execution.